The selection and optimization of the reconfigurable shaped reflector structure material

Abstract

The method of applying deformable 2-D lattice materials in design of the main structure of a reconfigurable shaped reflector is proposed in this paper. Hex-chiral NPR (Negative Poisson's Ratio) lattice, re-entrant NPR lattice and star ZPR (Zero Poisson's Ratio) lattice are investigated in forming the main structure of a reflector, according to the mechanical properties requirement. Finite element models of reflectors built by these three types of lattice materials are developed. An example of a reflector with reconfigurable shape, which is transformed from a standard paraboloid, is given. The curvature change of the deformed shape is calculated. Then, the region with the largest curvature changing rate is found and the configuration of such area is regenerated. Finally, the surface accuracy of the region with the largest curvature changing rate is evaluated for reflectors built by the three compared lattice materials. The simulation results show that the highest surface accuracy is obtained when applying the hex-chiral lattice to the design of the reconfigurable shaped reflector.